Installing a new liner on an above ground pool isn't the first thing that comes to mind when getting a pool. Because when you first take the plunge into pool ownership - pun intended - they look fabulous: nice new sharp looking liner, shiny top rail, maybe even a brand new deck to go with it. After a few years, however, you will see some wear and tear on the lining.
There could be a few reasons why you should replace your liner instead of repairing it, e.g. B. if you find a tear at the seam, algae stains, sun bleaching, pulling the liner out of the rail and stretching or just finding one stain too many. This is definitely not the smallest job to do, but with a little planning, some muscle strength, and maybe even the help of friends, a new liner can be installed on oneabove ground poolcan be done in one day.
before you start
Before taking on this job, you need to know what type of liner you will be working with. There are three main types: overlap, beads and J-hook. This can be determined by observing how the liner connects to the frame (usually under the pool's top rail). Overlap liners do exactly what they sound like - they go around the top of the pool and are held in place by a separate cover strip that attaches to the top. A beaded liner goes into a rail that sits on top of the pool wall. A J-hook liner has the "hook" or "track" built into the liner, which is placed on the pool wall.
security concerns
No matter the size of your pool, the liner will be heavy. If you have trouble lifting heavy objects, don't try this. Also, most installations require you to disassemble some or all of the top rail; This is the part of the pool that retains its strength at the top. Be very careful when disassembling to avoid the pool collapsing or the supports moving too much; this can compromise the structural integrity of the pool once it is refilled with water. You might be able to get away with disassembling one part of the top rail at a time to help, but this only works on a case-by-case basis.
what you will need
equipment / tools
- Pump
- screwdriver
- broom or vacuum cleaner
- box cutter
materials
- Polar foil
- duct tape
- sand or foam
instructions
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Drain the pool
If you haven't already, set up a pumpempty the pool. It is very important to get as much water out as possible. The less water, the less weight you have to lift over the edge of the pool wall. If possible, try to let it run while you remove the liner so that when the area gets smaller, it can pump out until the last second.
Top
When setting up the pump, stretch the new liner out in the sun as much as possible to make it as malleable as possible. This will help later during installation to get that last bit in the track.
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Remove all accessories
Remove all objects such as ladders, stairs and anything else touching or holding onto the liner. Just remove the fittingsafterThe pool is pumped dry. This also includes any fittings such as return fittings and the likeskimmersMouth frame on the inside of the pelvis. Be careful not to lose the gasket as this is required to pinch the liner and hold it in place.
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Remove the top rail
Choose your starting point and walk around your pool and remove the screws that hold the top rail in place. Be careful of the bend as you remove some sections. Remember that it is perfectly normal for the pool walls to move inward due to the weight of the liner, but if the movement seems excessive, stop and call a professional.
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Remove the liner and cut open
Go ahead and lift the liner off the hook or remove the cover strip (depending on what type of liner you have). Carefully walk around the pool and keep going until you've got it all covered. Once it's off, the easiest way is to cut it up and toss it over the side.
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Check and repair the pool floor
Depending on which pool you have, you can either have sand, foam, or concrete on the bottom of the pool. Now is the perfect time to make sure everything is as it should be at the bottom corners of the pool. This is important as it will help the pool liner stretch evenly after filling with water and prevent leaks at the corners. If there is sand, make sure it is still evenly distributed, especially in the corners as this is where the most pressure and risk of cracking occurs. There are styrofoam corners you can buy to help with this. If it's concrete, sweep the floor well and make sure there are no sharp rocks or objects on the floor. These cause a flat tire as soon as you refill the pool. It's also a good idea to tape over any protrusions from the pool wall, such as screws or seams. This distributes the weight of the water more evenly around the stud bosses, reducing the risk of punctures.
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Carefully lift the liner over the side of the pool
After checking the pool bottom and walls, it's time to install the liner. Take the new slide and throw it in the pool. Be careful not to put too much stress on the pool wall. If you pull the pool liner over the wall, there is a high chance that you will damage your pool.
(Video) DIY Above Ground Pool Liner Installation in 25 Minutes -
Connect the liner to the pool walls
Once it's lined up properly (if there are already cutouts for the skimmer/returns, or for some other type of pool other than a circle) the easiest way to actually attach it to the pool is to have someone help the pool do the first few sections to a person standing outside the pool. (This is where the strength and help of a friend come in.) Have the person on the inside pass the liner to someone on the outside so they can hook the liner to the ridge at the top of the pool wall. Once this has started it should get progressively easier until you are almost done hooking it in and the person in the pool will have to get out of the pool to help pull off the top of the pool wall. Don't worry if it's a little tight. Pool liners stretch slightly once filled with water and having been in the sun should help with initial installation as well.
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Check the security of the liner
Check carefully around the top of the liner to ensure it is not stretching erratically and the top rail is seated securely in the bead around the edge of the pool. Once the pool is filled with water there is no turning back so this is your last chance to make sure it's right.
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Reattach the top rail
Once you have verified that the pool liner is installed correctly, proceed and reinstall the top rail around the pool as you removed it. You will see as you reattach the rail the pool will gradually strengthen and regain its shape.
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Reinstall the recoil fittings and skimmer muzzle frame
If the liner had holes for these parts, reinstallation is easy: line up the gasket and fittings and just tighten with a screwdriver. If there are no holes, don't worry, installation is easy. Just install it directly on the liner and very lightly puncture where the screws go. After installation, take a box cutter and cut out the inside of the fitting and the skimmer opening. This is fine as you installed the fittings earlier and they should hold the liner in place so water doesn't leak out.
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Install accessories
Reinstall the steps and ladders and all other pool features.
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Fill pool and balance chemicals
Refill the pool and once it has reached the correct level (halfway up the skimmer opening) turn on the pump andAdd/balance chemicals.
When to call a professional
This is one of a pool owner's more difficult repairs, not only because of the risk posed by weakening the pool's structure, but also because of the force required to maneuver the liner into place. If at any time during this work you feel uncomfortable, see excessive movement in the pool structure, or notice any damage after the pool liner has been removed (e.g. excessive rust on structural members or around penetrations), stop immediately and call a specialist. There is nothing worse than going through all the hassle and expense of replacing a pool liner, only to wake up a few days later and realize the pool has collapsed or is leaking water somewhere.